How were horseman used in battles?

Question

Middle ages

Answer 1

As calvary? Mainly to try and outflank opponents. Preferable light infantry, or archers.

from wikipedia:

"In many modern armies, the term cavalry is often used for units that fill the traditional horse-borne light cavalry roles of scouting, screening, skirmishing and raiding. The shock role, traditionally filled by heavy cavalry, is generally filled by units with the "armoured" designation."

Answer 2

As others have already stated- they were shock troops- they could break up large groups of soldiers on foot and they could swing axes, maces, swords, or what-have-you from above.

Having large, heavily bodied horses, was an advantage in some climates and a disadvantage in others.

If you're talking about places other than Europe, horsemen had lighter horses, and could also be great archers. It depends on where ou're talking about geographically.

"Middle Ages" is quite vague, could you expand on that a little bit?

Answer 3

They were the mobile armour of their time. Like tanks, they were used as shock troops. However, as demonstrated at Crecy and Agincourt, they were particularly vulnerable to unfavourable conditions and particular weapons.